1. Canada in World War I

2. What legal reasons prevented Canada from declaring war at the beginning of World War I? Legally, Canada had no right to do so. When Britain declared war against Germany, Canada as a Dominion of the British Empire, was bound by that decision.

3. What powers did the War Measures Act give the Canadian government? Gave the government special powers in times of Crisis – used to suspend citizens’ legal rights including freedom assembly and freedom of expression.

4. How did the Canadian government use the War Measures Act? What groups of citizens were targeted and what happened to them? Act was to deal with individuals thought to present a threat to Canadian security Ukrainians were uprooted and sent to work camps – Germans/Austrian were discriminated against as well.

5. Canada’s army changed dramatically as the war progressed. Describe the changes that took place. At the start of the war, Canada only had 3,000 soldiers and a small navy. Recruitment continued through the war and throughout 1914 and 1915 and it was not long before the Canadian Corps comprised of 2 divisions (over 200,000 men)

6. How many Canadians were mobilized for war? 620,000 mobilized 425, 000 actually went overseas Population of Canada 1914-8 million

7. Describe what the Canadians achieved in the Battle of Ypres and Vimy Ridge. Battle of Ypres,– Canadians won recognition for their bravery by refusing to run from the chlorine gas. Foiled German advance. Vimy Ridge - Canadian soldiers formed a separate fighting unit. Using tunnels, the Canadians captured this strategically important post. After, Canadian troops were placed under the command of a Canadian, Arthur Curry.

8. Do you think victories on the battle field added to the national identity of Canada? Explain your answer.

9. Why were most French-Canadians uninterested in fighting for Canada in the First World War? French Canadians felt only distantly connected to France and Europe. There was virtually no connection to Britain and it’s causes.

10. The Canadian government along with “English Canadians pushed for conscription, involuntary recruitment of soldiers from the populace” – how would conscription affect French Canadians The Conscription Crisis would mean that French Canadians who opposed going to war would be forced to fight with the British Army

11. When was conscription introduced? How did Quebec react? With riots and violence The Conscription Crisis nearly tore the country apart, luckily the war ended before conscripts left Canada

12. How did the Imperial Conference in 1917 change the relationship between the British government and the Canadian government. The Cabinet announced the principle that Dominions were equal partners with Britain Britain began dealing directly with Canada’s External Affairs department

13. Why did Canada grow stronger (at home) during WWI? Agriculture boomed as Canadians grew wheat to feed the British armies. Factories produced munitions and machinery, women volunteered and worked in factories Income Tax Act, 1917 – passed to help pay for the war effort

14. WWI played a major role in shaping Canada’s national interests and identity. Many changes occurred within Canada that clearly demonstrated commitment to internal and international peace and security. Yet, the conscription crisis shattered the fragile French- English coalition and shed light on the obvious divisions that existed between French and English identity and the role which Canada should play in WWI. Those Canadians who joined the Army at the outset of the war joined out of pride and love for their country and demonstrated that Canadians were capable on the battle field. How Canada’s participation lead to a new sense of independence and nationalism. Did Canada’s role in WWI serve Canadian national interest at the time?